THUNDER BAY -- The Ice Bucket Challenge has completely changed the conversation about ALS.
The summer social media phenomenon raised $15 million in Canada alone after videos of celebrities and ordinary people dumping frigid water on themselves went viral.
ALS Canada regional manager Kim Barry said the funds raised by the campaign were as much as the organization is usually able to raise over seven years.
“It’s brought it to the forefront for the community to know what ALS is and the impact is huge,” she said before the start of the local chapter’s walk.
“Not only did it bring the money for research and client services it got people talking about ALS.”
About 200 people came out for the walk, which took place on a beautiful Saturday morning around the Chapples Park area.
Murray Brown, a staff sergeant with the Thunder Bay Police Service, has been battling the disease for nearly two years.
The change in perception of the degenerative neurological disorder over the past number of months has been unbelievable.
“It’s really brought awareness for the forefront,” Brown said. “Talking to the participants here ALS is more known now nationwide than it has ever been and that’s a great thing.”
There are currently nine people living in Thunder Bay with ALS. The funding from the Ice Bucket Challenge goes a long way towards researching treatments to assist current patients, as well as provide them with the necessary supports.
Despite all the funding, ALS continues to claim more victims.
“Unfortunately we have a couple of new ALS clients in Thunder Bay,”Brown said. “They and their families were able to come join us today…As a client of ALS we love that”
While Barry said the social media campaign provided the organization with unparalleled funding, the annual walks taking place around the country are how a sustained difference will be made.
